Photography exhibition shines light on mental health survivors

A new photography exhibition exposing the lives, struggles, happiness and triumphs of people living with mental illness, opens for the first time at Gallery Oldham on Saturday week, September 15.

Open Shutters is the vision of portrait photographer Lisa Gee, of Studio G Photography, and her business partner, Robert Cragg, and was created to demonstrate how mental health can have a positive effect on a person’s life.

The exhibition includes 31 portraits of people with varying mental and physical health difficulties, each holding an object that holds significant or sentimental meaning to them.

In addition to Lisa’s own portrait, participants include singer-songwriter Frank Turner and former government mental health tsar and inspirational speaker, Natasha Devon MBE.

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, and reports from both England and Wales suggest that approximately one in eight adults with a mental health problem are currently receiving treatment.

Lisa said: “The statistics are shocking. I am part of the 25% that has experienced poor mental health, but luckily I sought and continue to receive effective treatment.

"Many adults are living without adequate care, and often treatable conditions are not addressed.

"I wanted to normalise not being ‘normal’ and the best way I can do that is by using my skills as a photographer to show how many people are living with mental health issues while continuing to live a good life.

"My own breakdown 15 years ago changed the direction of my life for the better so if I can encourage others to acknowledge and talk about their wellbeing, then that’s success to me.”

Gallery Oldham’s Education and Outreach Manager Joy Thorpe said: “At Gallery Oldham, we designate our Community Gallery to local artists, photographers, groups and schools.

"The Open Shutters project fits perfectly with what we’re trying to do in the borough - showcase local talent while working to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents.

"We’re extremely proud to host Open Shutters at Gallery Oldham and we look forward to seeing the project grow.” 

The exhibition will coincide with the launch of Open Shutters Photography CIC, a social enterprise company that will run community-interest exhibitions, and document events and milestones for charitable and not-for-profit organisations, disadvantaged families and individuals.

Alongside the exhibition, a free Open Shutters event will run on World Mental Health Day, Wednesday, October 10, 2018 in Oldham.

There will be a mix of workshops and open discussions by organisations including MIND, Samaritans, Andy’s Man Club, Relax Kids, Clear Mind Counselling, and Healthy Minds.

The free exhibition will be open every Monday to Saturday until November 10, 2018.

After this date the exhibition will be available to visit other venues.

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